South Mountain Reservation

The South Mountain Reservation, the largest park in the Essex County Park System, is a unique 2,110-acre public land. Endowed with hills, rivers, and woodlands, the Reservation has been preserved primarily in its wild state. Numerous trails and overlooks offer inspiring scenery: vistas of New York City, a dramatic 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls, the cascade of Maple Brook in the deep woods, and millponds, streams, and open fields in the interior valley. After more than 100 years, it remains a green island in the midst of a sea of urbanization.

Reviews

Scott Bleeker

Rating:

Thursday, March 8, 2018

It's a nice mountain with medium trails, but it is VERY poorly marked. There is very little in the way of maps that are easily obtainable or of any good quality. If you plan on making the hike make sure you don't have any time constraints because it's very easy to get lost, even if only for a few minutes

Nia Caesar

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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Beautiful park and place for kids to play. The equipment is safe and colorful. This is a wonderful place to bring your children. It is a nice spacious playground and usually empty on chillier days. Over looks a beautiful lake and pathway.

Danielle Clapton

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Monday, Feb. 19, 2018

I visited this park a few times before I moved out of the area and it, like many of the parks in the area, is quite nice. The area around the lake and McLoone's is nice for families and is an easy place to go jogging. I particularly liked the trails that go deep into the park as they're quite nice for trail running and offer a varied terrain for a fun run. It's pretty well maintained and I would recommend it to anyone looking to spend more time in nature.

Christian Montalvo

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Saturday, March 10, 2018

Wonderful park near Summit/Short Hills. We love bringing the dogs no matter the weather. It is well maintained, but the trails can be steep and rocky in a few areas.

Edward Hector

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Monday, Dec. 11, 2017

Great bit of nature near the suburbs. Lots of different paths and landmarks to see within the Res. Waterfalls, lakes, great trees, and great paths. Hemlock falls and nearby pine cathedral are great highlights. Washington rock is the prime historical landmark. Turtle back rock is fun for minimal rock climbing/bouldering if you are in to that. Been going there near 30 years as nearby resident. A great treasure in the burbs. Great fun for well behaved dogs too.